Bumper Balloons

For easy and frugal fun you simply cannot go past the humble balloon. It's one of the only things along with McDonalds cones that are still great value for money whilst still being enjoyable. You can still buy heaps in a pack for just a couple of dollars. You don't have to wait until the next birthday party to use balloons. Why not explore them at home with your kids at other times? Below are some ideas of other fun things you can do with balloons.

Ages: 2 years and over.

Indoor or Outdoor: Either but be aware that balloons can pop much more easily when outside. For indoor use you need a free space where the children won't bump into anything.

Equipment/Resources: A pack of balloons, the local supermarket will probably stock them.

Cost: Only the cost of buying the balloons, you can just get home brand ones.

Instructions:

1) Blow up and twist tie some balloons for your child to use. Older children may be able to blow their own, if not at least let them choose the colour of the balloon.

2) Now the child can have a go at trying to keep the balloon up in the air. The aim is to keep it off the floor completely. This will really get them moving and makes a very funny experience. It can be a great workout.

3) They can start to count how many times they tap the balloon before it falls to the ground.

4) As they practice and learn to focus they can get better and better at it.

5) If playing in a group then the child who keeps it up for the longest is the winner.

6) Encourage them to do big taps, then little taps, to tap with their whole hand or with just a couple of fingers. Discuss what happens each time and how it is different.



Aim: To encourage children to use their imaginations to think outside the square. Exploring new ways to use well known items.

Time: Can be done for short and long periods.

Players: One or more.

Why?: Balloons are always fun, they are low cost and can be used in so many different ways.

Additions: Children could try to only use their feet to keep the ball in the air, they could put one hand behind their back or what about trying to keep two balloons up at once. Set up a game of balloon tennis.

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#2_year_olds
#3-5_year_olds
#5-10_year_olds
#10-13_year_olds
#free
#low_cost
#balloons
#exploring
#thinking_skills


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